Minooka holds graduation for Class of 2020

MINOOKA — It might not have been what they envisioned when the 2019-20 school year started, but the Minooka Community High School Class of 2020 was able to participate in a graduation ceremony during the weekend.

The weekend began with a parade Friday night to honor the graduates. On Saturday and Sunday, the graduates were placed in alphabetical groups and assigned times to arrive at the MCHS football stadium.

Once at the stadium, dressed in their caps and gowns, the graduates were able to pose for pictures in front of a large '2020' sign, find their name printed on a paper cap on the fence and find their picture in the senior class picture, also posted on a fence. They then walked through an arch of black, orange and white balloons on their way to the football field. There, they received their diploma, had their name announced over the PA system, walked across a stage to shake hands with principal Bryan Zwemke and proceeded further to be congratulated by superintendent Dr. Kenny Lee.

While the students were receiving their recognition, parents lined the lower level of the visitors' bleachers to take photos of their graduates.

Bad weather did not deter the cleebration. Once the rains came Saturday, the ceremony was moved inside to the Performing Arts Center.

"These kids missed out on so much of what makes senior year special" assistant principal Matt Wikoff said. "When we got the call on March 13, we were hoping that we would only be out for two weeks. Once we found out there was no returning this year, the kids lost out on senior trip, prom, athletics and other acitvities that make the year fun.

"We wanted to make this something special for them, so we talked with the board of education to see if we would be able to host an in-person graduation. Once the state opened up into Phase 4, we were able to do this.

"A lot of thanks have to go out to the staff here at the school. They did a great job of preparing this and I think it's great for the kids."

"We are elated to be able to do this for these kids," Dr. Lee said. "These kids have been through a lot and they responded to adversity very well, doing their remote learning. We are honored to be able to give them this chance to be recognized. It's a great day for MCHS."

The students were happy with the ceremony as well.

"I am very happy we got somethng," graduating senior Gehrig Denoyer said. "We put a lot of work in during the last four years. For what we lost, it was great to be able to be celebrated today.

"I had a great four years at Minooka, and I wouldn't trade them for anything."